Piriformis Syndrome is a rare neuromuscular disorder that affects the piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is a muscle located in the buttocks, near the lower back and hip joints. This muscle is crucial for the healthy movement of the hips and legs. Piriformis syndrome causes the piriformis muscle to compress the sciatic nerve, which goes down the back of the legs and ends in the feet. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, this results in the following symptoms:
- Numbness, tingling, or pain that begins in the buttocks and extends down the legs
- Pain in the lower back
- Swelling of the lower back and/or hips
- Trouble walking, climbing stairs, sitting, or other physical activities
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits for Piriformis Syndrome
If the symptoms associated with piriformis syndrome are mild, it may be possible to manage the pain through treatments, such as physical therapy, and/or pain medications. However, if the symptoms are quite severe, it can be challenging to perform daily activities, such as getting dressed, which makes it nearly impossible to function at a job. While piriformis syndrome is not a condition that is specifically listed in the Social Security Disability blue book, your symptoms may still qualify you for automatic approval for the benefits that you need.
Qualifying for SSD Benefits Due to Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms
There are two ways in which you may be able to receive approval for Social Security Disability benefits because of your piriformis syndrome symptoms:
Meet the Requirements of a Blue Book Listing – While piriformis syndrome may not specifically be listed, your symptoms may equal those of another condition. The requirements you are most likely going to meet are going to be those related to major joint dysfunction. You may be eligible for automatic approval if you can demonstrate, using strong medical evidence, that your condition makes it difficult for you to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods of time without the use of a walker or crutches.
OR
Prove That Your Symptoms are Limiting Your Abilities – Just because you cannot find a listing that perfectly matches your symptoms does not mean that you are not eligible. You can complete a Residual Functional Capacity assessment, which will determine if your medical restrictions are significant enough to keep you from working.
The Importance of Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney
Individuals suffering from piriformis syndrome are often faced with a daunting challenge when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. It is less clear and straightforward what the SSA will require of you in order to grant an approval for assistance. This is why it is especially important to enlist the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability attorney if you have this condition.
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